Mr captain

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: A Rainy Encounter

The courtyard was alive with celebration, the air thick with the aroma of steaming tuwon shinkafa and zowa, jollof rice and sizzling suya. Lanterns cast warm golden light over the gathering, their soft glow contrasting with the occasional flash of lightning on the horizon. Faisal stood under the shade of a mango tree, his tall frame clad in a crisp white kaftan with intricate navy-blue embroidery that matched the cap perched neatly on his head.

Weddings in Bida were always elaborate affairs, and this one had lived up to the hype. The bride was radiant, the groom all smiles, and the guests—hundreds of them—mingled like long-lost friends. Faisal had exchanged polite greetings and endured the usual barrage of questions from nosy aunties: "When will it be your turn, Captain?"

He smirked at the thought. Marriage, to him, was like the sea he sailed for the Navy—beautiful but unpredictable. Still, tonight felt different. Something lingered in the air beyond the rain.

He glanced at the sky. Heavy clouds had rolled in as the festivities continued, and now, fat raindrops were splashing onto the tiled floor, chasing guests under canopies. Faisal sighed, slipping his phone into his pocket. He had promised his younger sister, Salamatu, that he wouldn't linger too long.

That's when he saw her.

She stood at the far edge of the courtyard, alone, holding a small black umbrella that barely shielded her from the rain. Her white and silver lace dress shimmered under the faint light, clinging modestly to her figure. The damp edges of her hijab framed her face, accentuating her high cheekbones and deep brown eyes that seemed to hold a quiet storm of their own.

Faisal's curiosity piqued. She didn't seem lost, nor was she mingling like the other guests. Instead, she exuded an air of calm detachment, as though she were here but not truly present.

He adjusted his cap and made his way toward her, navigating puddles and nodding politely at relatives trying to snag his attention.

"Looks like you're braving the rain alone," he said as he approached her. His voice was low, smooth, just loud enough to cut through the rhythmic drumming in the background.

She turned her head, startled by his sudden presence. Up close, her eyes were even more striking—large, expressive, and filled with curiosity. For a moment, she studied him, her gaze flickering to the embroidered cap that marked him as an important guest.

"I didn't realize I was being watched," she replied, her tone calm but edged with wariness.

"Not watching," Faisal corrected, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just curious why someone would choose the rain over the party."

She shifted her weight slightly, clutching her umbrella tighter. "Sometimes the rain is quieter."

Faisal chuckled softly. "Fair enough. I'm Faisal." He extended a hand but quickly withdrew it, realizing the gesture might be too forward. "Or Mr. Captain, depending on who's asking."

"Sumayah," she replied, her lips curving into the faintest of smiles. "And it seems you have quite the reputation, Mr. Captain."

Faisal raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Should I be worried?"

"Not yet," she said lightly, glancing at the road beyond the gate. "But you're right. I should get going before this rain gets worse."

Faisal followed her gaze, noticing the deserted street. The usual motorbikes and tricycles were nowhere in sight. "Heading somewhere specific?"

"The Federal Medical Center," she said. "Night shift."

Faisal frowned. "At this hour? You'll be lucky to find a ride."

"I'll manage," Sumayah replied, though the doubt in her voice betrayed her confidence.

Faisal hesitated for only a second. "Come on, I'll give you a lift."

Sumayah's brows knit together. "That's not necessary."

"It's not a problem," Faisal insisted. "The rain's not exactly kind to pedestrians."

After a moment of consideration, Sumayah nodded. "Fine. But only if you're sure."

"I wouldn't offer otherwise," Faisal said, leading the way to his car parked just outside the compound.

The drive was quiet at first, the only sounds coming from the hum of the engine and the steady patter of rain against the windshield. Faisal stole glances at Sumayah as she stared out of the window, her fingers tracing patterns on the fogged-up glass.

"So, a nurse," he ventured, breaking the silence.

"Yes," she replied, her voice soft but clear.

"Saving lives one shift at a time?" he teased.

Sumayah turned to him, the corners of her lips twitching. "Something like that. And you?"

"Naval officer," Faisal said, keeping his eyes on the road. "But not on duty tonight."

"Obviously," Sumayah quipped, surprising him with her wit. "What brings you back to Bida?"

"Family," Faisal said simply. "December is the only time I can escape work without raising too many eyebrows."

Sumayah nodded thoughtfully. "Family is everything."

They lapsed into silence again, but it was a comfortable one this time. Faisal found himself wishing the drive were longer.

When they finally arrived at the Federal Medical Center, Sumayah reached for the door handle but paused. "Thanks for the ride, Mr. Captain."

"Anytime," Faisal said, his tone sincere.

Sumayah stepped out, the rain drenching her umbrella as soon as she opened it. She turned back, offering a smile that lit up the dreary night. "Goodnight, Faisal."

He watched her disappear into the hospital gates, her white lace dress blending with the misty rain. For the first time in a long while, Faisal felt something stir in his chest—a quiet anticipation that he couldn't quite name.

And as the rain continued to fall, Faisal sat in his car, replaying the brief but electric encounter. He didn't know it yet, but Sumayah had left an imprint, one that would shape the coming days in ways he never imagined.